Introduction
Prolactin, a pituitary hormone, plays a crucial role in various physiological processes, including milk production, fluid balance regulation, growth, development, and reproduction. Its action is initiated by binding to a specific cell surface receptor known as the prolactin receptor, which belongs to the class 1 cytokine receptor superfamily. The prolactin receptor's function is mediated, in part, by two signaling pathways: Janus kinases (JAKs) and signal transducers and activators of transcription (STATs). Prolactin (PRL) is involved in diverse functions such as ion transport, osmoregulation, milk and protein synthesis stimulation, and the regulation of multiple reproductive processes. PRL exerts its effects on various cell types by binding to a transmembrane PRL receptor, thereby initiating a signal transduction cascade. Immunoreactive PRL receptor, a member of the cytokine receptor family, exhibits size variations (short and long forms) depending on the tissue source and species, ranging from approximately 40 kDa to 100 kDa. The PRL receptor comprises at least three distinct domains: an extracellular domain containing five cysteine residues and the prolactin binding site, a single transmembrane domain, and a cytoplasmic domain whose length influences ligand binding and modulates cellular function.
Description
Recombinant Prolactin Receptor Extracellular Domain from Rainbow Trout, produced in E. coli, is a non-glycosylated polypeptide chain composed of 210 amino acids, with a molecular weight of 24,034 Daltons. The Prolactin Receptor is purified using proprietary chromatographic methods.
Physical Appearance
White, sterile-filtered lyophilized powder.
Formulation
The protein was lyophilized from a concentrated solution (1 mg/ml) containing 0.0045 mM NaHCO3.
Solubility
To reconstitute the lyophilized PRL-R, it is recommended to dissolve it in sterile 18 MΩ-cm H2O at a concentration of at least 100 µg/ml. This solution can be further diluted in other aqueous solutions.
Stability
Lyophilized PRL-R remains stable at room temperature for up to 3 weeks; however, it is recommended to store it desiccated below -18°C. After reconstitution, Prolactin Receptor should be stored at 4°C for 2-7 days. For long-term storage, it is recommended to freeze it below -18°C. To enhance stability during long-term storage, the addition of a carrier protein (0.1% HSA or BSA) is advisable. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
Purity
Purity exceeding 97.0% as determined by: (a) Size Exclusion Chromatography-High Performance Liquid Chromatography (SEC-HPLC) analysis and (b) Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate-Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) analysis.
Biological Activity
Biological activity is assessed by the dose-dependent inhibition of Prolactin-stimulated proliferation of Nb2 cells and by high-affinity binding to ovine Prolactin Receptor (oPLR) and other lactogenic hormones.
Protein Content
Protein quantification was performed using two independent methods: (1) UV spectroscopy at 280 nm, utilizing an absorbance value of 2.48 as the extinction coefficient for a 0.1% (1 mg/ml) solution. This value was calculated using the PC GENE computer analysis program for protein sequences (IntelliGenetics). (2) Reverse-Phase High Performance Liquid Chromatography (RP-HPLC) analysis, employing a standard solution of PRLr-ECD as a reference standard.
Amino Acid Sequence
The sequence of the first five N-terminal amino acids was determined and was found to be Ala-Arg-His-Thr-Pro.